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Hiroshi Nakase,1,2 Shinji Sakuma,3 Takumi Fukuchi,4 Takuya Yoshino,1,5 Kohta Mohri,3 Kohei Miyata,3,6 Hironori Kumagai,6 Ken-Ichiro Hiwatari,6 Kazufumi Tsubaki,6 Tetsuya Ikejima,6 Etsuo Tobita,6 Meiying Zhu,7 Kevin J Wilson,7 Kay Washington,8 John C Gore,7,9–13 Wellington Pham7,9–12,14 1Division of Endoscopy, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan; 2Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan; 3Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan; 4Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osakafu Saiseikai Nakatsu Hospital, Osaka, Japan; 5Division of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Digestive Disease Center, Kitano Hospital, Osaka, Japan; 6Advanced Materials R&D Laboratory, ADEKA Corp., Tokyo, Japan; 7Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, 8Division of Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Pathology, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, 9Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, 10Department of Biomedical Engineering, 11Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, 12Vanderbilt Brain Institute, 13Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, 14Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA Abstract: The Thomsen–Friedenreich (TF) antigen represents a prognostic biomarker of colorectal carcinoma. Here, using a nanobeacon, the surface of which was fabricated with peanut agglutinin as TF-binding molecules, we demonstrate that the nanobeacon is able to detect TF antigen in frozen and freshly biopsied polyps using fluorescence microscopy. Our results provide important clues about how to detect aberrant colonic tissues in the most timely fashion. Given the versatile application method for this topical nanobeacon, the protocol used in this work is amenable to clinical colonoscopy. Moreover, the prospects of clinical translation of this technology are evident. Keywords: TF antigen, fluorescence colonoscopy, nanobeacon, colorectal cancer

Tissue fibrosis occurs when matrix production outpaces matrix degradation. Degradation of collagen, the main component of fibrotic tissue, is mediated through an ex tracellular proteolytic pathway and intracellular pathway of cellular uptake and lysosomal

The surface flashover characteristics initiated by the local field intensification have been investigated for lightning impulse, switching impulse and ac voltages, using disc-type model spacer systems with the wedge shaped gas gap formed between the spacer flange and the earthed sheath end. The surface flashover voltages of the systems have been evaluated by the simple theory in SF(sub 6) gas and compared with the experimental results. The practical methods by the thin dielectric coating of a low permittivity material on the sheath ends and by the shielding sheath ends protruded inwardly are effective in improving the dielectric performance of the system.

Metal–oxide–semiconductor structures with a Ge nanocrystal embedded in SiO[sub 2] films were fabricated by Ge[sup +] ion implantation and subsequent high-temperature annealing. The Raman spectra indicate the evidence of self-assembled Ge nanocrystals in the SiO[sub 2] films. The Ge size and its density were estimated to 3–5 nm and 1×10[sup 12]/cm[sup 2], respectively. Photoluminescence spectra showed a strong blue–violet band around 400 nm and a weak near-infrared band around 750 nm, respectively. The several implantation-induced deficient centers are believed to be responsible for the blue-light luminescence. Capacitance–voltage characteristics exhibit the flatband voltage shifts of 1.02 V after the electron injection into the SiO[sub 2]/Ge/SiO[sub 2] potential well. An anomalous leakage current was clearly observed in the current–voltage characteristics. The precise simulation of quantum electron transport in the SiO[sub 2] film indicates that the anomalous conduction is originated from resonant tunneling in the SiO[sub 2]/Ge/SiO[sub 2] double-well band structure. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A neurological rat mutation that produces hind-leg paralysis and cerebellar cortical dysplasia, termed as the cerebellar vermis defect (CVD), is regulated by an autosomal recessive gene. Both sexes of the CVD rat are fertile and the gene has 100% penetration capacity. Animals affected with the disease have small cerebellums at birth and develop hind-leg paralysis by around 14 days of age. The paralysis continues with growth, and there is no improvement or progress of the disease for more than 18 months of age.

The aim of this study was to determine the loading capacity of a trotting Taishuh pony by gait analysis using a motion analysis system. Seven Taishuh Ponies (5 mares and 2 geldings) and their rider were fitted with a marker (70 mm in diameter placed on their chest) and recorded by 2 high-resolution digital DVD cameras (at a sampling frequency of 60 Hz) as they were trotting along a straight course. Each horse performed 7 tests: 1 test with a loaded weight of 70 kg, 5 tests with random loaded weights between 80 kg and 120 kg, and a final test with a loaded weight of 70 kg again. Three-dimensional movements of each marker were analyzed using motion capture system. The time series of the vertical displace-ments of the marker was subjected to spectrum analysis by the maximum entropy method, and the autocorrelation coefficient was calculated. The first 2 peaks of the auto-correlation were defined as symmetry and regularity of the gait, and the sum of symmetry and regularity was defined as stability. The cross-spectrum analysis (Blackman-Tukey method) also was performed to analyze the time lag and cross-correlation coefficient between the time series of both pony and rider. Among ponies, symmetry in the 120 kg test (0.54) was significantly lower than that in the first 70 kg test (0.75, P < 0.05) and stabilities in the 100 kg (1.17) and 120 kg (1.17) tests were significantly less than that in the first 70 kg ( 1.46, P < 0.05). Regarding the rider, there were no significant differences in symme-try, regularity, and stability between loaded weights. The time lag between the time series of horse and rider in the 120 kg test (47.6 ms) was significantly greater than that in the first 70 kg (14.3 ms, P < 0.05) test. These results suggests that the maximum permissible load weight of the Taishuh pony trotting at 3.0 m/s over a short distance was less than 100 kg, which is 43% of the BW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Recent molecular studies of the RHD gene have revealed that Del individuals retain a grossly intact RHD gene or have a portion of RHD in their genomes. No Del phenotype has yet been shown to induce a primary or secondary alloanti-D immunization, however. CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old D- Japanese woman with a history of allosensitization from transfusion of D+ red blood cells (RBCs) was negative for anti-D at admission. After she received RBCs from 19 apparently D- donors, she developed anti-D with an 8-fold titer. The titer of anti-D increased further to 128-fold after transfusions of cross-match-compatible D- negative RBCs from 40 donors over the next 2 years. Two of 59 donors were found to be RHD gene-positive and antigen D- with a Del phenotype, that is, RHD(K409K). CONCLUSION: This is the first case in which RBCs having the Del phenotype induced a secondary alloanti-D immunization. A D- donor with the RHD(K409K) allele was associated with the development of anti-D. Adverse episodes or evidence of hemolysis was not observed after the transfusion of RHD(K409K) RBCs. Further clinical evidence is needed to reveal whether the Del phenotype has a clinically relevant potential for anti-D immunization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well-known that FK506 strongly inhibits cytokine production by T cells in vitro. However, less evidence is available from in vivo studies of ocular allergy. To study the anti-inflammatory effect of FK506 eye drops on late and delayed-type responses in several animal models of ocular allergy. Rats and guinea-pigs were sensitized with egg albumin (EA) in adjuvant and later challenged by topical EA application to their eyes to examine the late response. Biopsy specimens of conjunctiva were stained with haematoxylin–eosin or stained for T cells and eosinophils. In addition, rats, rabbits and guinea-pigs were sensitized with complete Freund's adjuvant and later challenged by injecting purified protein derivatives for the delayed-type response. Bulbar conjunctival oedema and hyperaemia were graded by score in rabbits, and Evans blue (EB) extravasation was measured in rats and guinea-pigs. FK506 (0.01–1%) and steroid (0.1%) eye drops were instilled in the eyes of animals several times, before and after challenge. FK506 eye drops inhibited T cell and eosinophil infiltration in the late response and EB extravasation in the delayed-type response in rats. Also, they inhibited conjunctival oedema, hyperaemia and ocular mucus in the delayed-type response in rabbits. These effects were similar to those of steroid eye drops (betamethasone sodium phosphate, fluorometholone). FK506 eye drops also inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, the loss of conjunctival epithelium and decrease of goblet cells in the late response as well as EB extravasation in the delayed-type response in guineapigs, a steroid-resistant species. FK506 eye drops inhibit late and delayed-type responses in animal models of ocular allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heparin-binding growth factor midkine (MK) is the product of a retinoic acid-responsive gene, and is implicated in neuronal survival and differentiation, and carcinogenesis. We previously reported that MK mRNA expression is elevated in neuroblastoma specimens at all stages, whereas pleiotrophin, the other member of the MK family, is expressed at high levels in favourable neuroblastomas. As MK is a secretory protein, it can be detected in the blood. Here, we show a significant correlation of the plasma MK level with prognostic factors of neuroblastomas. The plasma MK level was determined in 220 patients with neuroblastomas, and compared with that in children without malignant tumors (n=17, <500 pg ml(-1)). The plasma MK level became significantly elevated with advancing stages (stage 1: 445 pg ml(-1) (median), n=73; stage 2: 589, n=39; stage 3: 864, n=40; stage 4: 1445, n=56; and stage 4S: 2439, n=12). More importantly, a higher MK level was strongly correlated with poor prognostic factors: over 1 year of age (P=0.0299), MYCN amplification (P<0.0001), low TrkA expression (P=0.0005), nonmass screening, sporadic neuroblastomas (P<0.0001), and diploidy/tetraploidy (P=0.0007). Thus, these results demonstrate that the plasma MK level is a good marker for evaluating the progression of neuroblastomas. Moreover, considering the ability of antisense MK oligodeoxyribonucleotide to suppress tumour growth of colorectal carcinoma cells in nude mice, as recently reported, the present study suggests that MK is a possible candidate molecular target for therapy for neuroblastomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level of expression of midkine (MK), a heparin-binding growth factor, is increased in many types of human carcinomas. An enzyme-linked immunoassay, which utilizes a combination of rabbit and chicken antibodies revealed that serum MK level in the controls (n = 135) was 0.154 ± 0.076 (mean ± SD) ng ml[SUP-1] with an apparent cut-off value as 0.5 ng ml[SUP-1]. Serum MK level was significantly elevated in the cancer patients (n = 150) (P < 0.001); 87% of the patients showed levels of more than 0.5 ng ml[SUP-1]. All ten types of cancer examined showed a similar profile of serum MK level. There was no or weak correlation between C-reactive protein level, a marker of inflammation, and serum MK level. Furthermore, in case of gastric carcinoma and lung carcinoma, patients with stage I carcinoma already showed elevated serum MK levels. The present results indicated that serum MK could serve as a general tumour marker with a good potential for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:&EMSP;:To compare the morphology of the masseter muscle in patients with mandibular prognathism with that of normal subjects. Methods: Three-dimensional X-ray computed tomography (CT) was performed on 69 patients with mandibular prognathism and compared with 91 normal subjects. The angle of the muscle direction in relation to the Frankfurt horizontal plane and the area and the ratio of length of the short to long axes (s/l ratio) on the section perpendicular to the muscle direction were measured. Results: The mean angle, area and s/l ratio in patients with mandibular prognathism was 76.6° (s.d. 4.4°), 318.3 mm2 (s.d. 77.2 mm2) and 0.312 (s.d. 0.049), respectively. Those of the normal subjects were 65.1° (s.d. 4.4°), 368.3 mm2 (s.d. 97.2 mm2) and 0.393 (s.d. 0.054), respectively. The angle was significantly larger, and the area and s/l ratio were significantly smaller than those of normal subjects (P<0.001). Conclusion: The morphology of the masseter muscle in mandibular prognathism is significantly different from that of normal subjects. Our results may be helpful in evaluating the results of orthognathic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]